Josh Taylor Changes Weight Class: "I Expect the Fear Factor"

Former undisputed junior welterweight champion Josh Taylor (19-2, 13 KOs) is moving up to the welterweight division, where he will debut against Ekow Essuman (21-1, 8 KOs).

"I won all four belts at 140 lbs, but now I’m back to being the hunter. In the welterweight division, I’m nobody. I need to prove that I can become a two-division world champion.

I’ve picked a really, really tough and tested opponent in Ekow. He’s a great fighter—very tough, very strong. They call him 'The Engine' for a reason—he comes forward and gives everyone a hard night.

I expect a tough fight, and that has lit a fire in me. That little factor of fear is exactly what I need to push myself to the limit in this training camp. I’ll be at 100%. I believe I’ll be at my very best when I step into the ring with Ekow, because I know he’s bringing the heat," said Taylor.

Taylor’s welterweight debut is set for May 24 in Glasgow, Scotland. The former undisputed champion is looking to bounce back after suffering back-to-back losses to Teofimo Lopez and Jack Catterall.